ERIC Number: EJ844272
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 22
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
K-12 Distance Educators at Work: Who's Teaching Online across the United States
Archambault, Leanna; Crippen, Kent
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v41 n4 p363-391 Sum 2009
Due to the current proliferation of virtual schools, a growing number of teachers are facing the challenge of teaching online. This study examines the demographic nature and experiences of K-12 online teachers. Findings show that online teachers are experienced in the traditional classroom, as indicated by their years of experience and the level of their advanced degrees. These teachers seek a better means to engage with students, a greater sense of community, and the ability to teach without the constraints of traditional teachings, such as a bell schedule or issues of classroom management. Data also suggest that aspects of teaching online, such as the number of classes/students, student motivation, and lack of support, can be overwhelming at times. Through this study, we are able to gain a better understanding of the educators themselves, including specific advantages and challenges of teaching in an online environment. (Contains 9 figures and 1 table.)
Descriptors: Classroom Techniques, Elementary Secondary Education, Online Courses, Teaching Methods, Teacher Characteristics, Experienced Teachers, Teaching Conditions, Teacher Motivation, Problems, Educational Environment, Virtual Classrooms, Web Based Instruction, Educational Technology, Electronic Learning, Distance Education, Internet, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Surveys
International Society for Technology in Education. 180 West *th Avenue, Suite 300, Eugene, OR 97401-2916. Tel: 800-336-5191; Tel: 541-302-3777; Fax: 541-302-3778; e-mail: iste@iste.org; Web site: http://www.iste.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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